Item Description
A rare and authentic pair of ‘Micro’ sconces, model 2240, designed by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte in the 1950s. Few designers understood the poetic interplay of glass and illumination like Max Ingrand. As the artistic director of Fontana Arte throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the French-born master brought an architect’s precision and a sculptor’s sensitivity to every creation. These sconces exemplify his genius—where glass is not merely a diffuser but a language of form and refraction. Each sconce features double profiled glass panels: two thick, polished lenses with acid-etched centers that diffuse light in a refined, sculptural way. The cut and geometry of the glass exemplify Ingrand’s mastery of translating architectural clarity into luminous form. The brass mounts, with their original patina developed over decades, provide a warm, golden counterpoint to the crystalline brilliance of the glass. All glasses remain in excellent condition, showing their age with dignity, while the frames preserve a remarkable surface that speaks to time rather than restoration. A true masterpiece of Italian lighting design, these sconces embody the poetic rigor that made Max Ingrand one of the most celebrated artistic directors of Fontana Arte. Their intimate scale—approximately 12 inches high and 8.5 inches wide—makes them equally suited to refined domestic interiors or curated gallery settings. The sconces retain their original wiring. For safety and optimal functionality, professional rewiring according to US standards is recommended. These sconces are illustrated in the Fontana Arte 5 manufacturer’s catalog and are well documented in design history.
